RPRNA

Tag: AirTag

  • New AirTag expected in September or later

    New AirTag expected in September or later

    Apple’s next AirTag, dubbed AirTag 2, might hit shelves in September or later this year, according to a recent 9to5Mac report citing trusted sources. The updated tracker could be revealed alongside the iPhone 17 during Apple’s big fall event, which is less than three months away.

    The report also mentions that iOS 18.6 beta code suggests compatibility with the new AirTag, hinting at its upcoming release. One key upgrade for the AirTag 2 is better battery alerts. The current model shows when the battery is low in the Find My app, but the new version will notify users at two levels: low and very low.

    There’s speculation from 9to5Mac that this could mean a rechargeable battery, but Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman says Apple will likely stick with a replaceable one, as noted in his November 2024 newsletter. Originally, Gurman predicted a mid-2025 launch, around June or July, but the timeline has shifted to later this year.

    The AirTag 2 is expected to track items up to three times farther than the current model, thanks to a new chip. It’ll also have a tougher-to-remove speaker to prevent misuse, like stalking, while keeping a similar look to the original, released in April 2021. That first AirTag launched with products like the M1 iMac and iPhone 12 in purple. With these upgrades, the AirTag 2 promises better tracking and safety features, making it a handy tool for keeping tabs on your belongings.

  • Jetblue makes finding lost bags easier with AirTag support

    Jetblue makes finding lost bags easier with AirTag support

    JetBlue has introduced a new way to help travelers keep track of their luggage using Apple’s AirTag. With the latest iOS 18.2 update, iPhone users can now share the location of their AirTag-equipped bags with JetBlue’s baggage team if their luggage gets lost or delayed at the airport. This feature, added to the Find My app, lets customers create a secure link to share their bag’s location, making it easier for the airline to find and return it quickly.

    To use this feature, travelers can generate a “Share Item Location” link on their iPhone, iPad, or Mac through the Find My app. They can share this link with JetBlue by scanning a QR code at the baggage claim area or by working with a staff member at the airport’s Baggage Service Office. The shared location stops automatically once the bag is returned or after seven days for privacy.

    JetBlue also launched a mobile app update that gives real-time updates on checked bags, so customers can follow their luggage’s journey from check-in to arrival. This builds on JetBlue’s strong baggage handling record, ranked second in the U.S. in 2024 by the Department of Transportation. These tools aim to give travelers peace of mind and make the process of recovering lost bags faster and simpler.

  • Lost dog returns home thanks to Airtag — but check your battery!

    Lost dog returns home thanks to Airtag — but check your battery!

    Mishka the pet dog was recently returned to her owners in San Bernardino, California, after a pet sitter left her outside. It was very lucky there was an Apple AirTag on her collar. Thanks to this tracker, Deja Colantonio could check her daughter’s location with the Find My app.

    While Deja was away for several days, she gave Mishka to a pet sitter. Then, not long after, she got a call telling her Mishka had managed to escape. Thanks to the AirTag, Deja was able to watch Mishka’s movement and headed out to some streets in search of her. She looked for her dog for some time and brought her home safely.

    Although AirTags can help find pets, this story also reminds us to routinely check that their battery doesn’t go dead. An AirTag’s battery will hold charge for around a year, but if it runs out, it won’t keep sending you updates. On older versions of iOS, Apple doesn’t warn you when your battery is low, but in iOS 17 and later it’s easy for some users to overlook.

    If you use AirTags for your pet, remember to check the condition of the battery. Use the Find My app, select the AirTag and look down to check the battery status. A new CR2032 battery is all you need and it’s very affordable.

    At the end of the day, AirTag helped Mishka return to the apartment which was possible only because it was still operational. It helps to see if all your equipment is okay well in advance of needing it.

  • AirTag’s new tool for stress-free travel

    AirTag’s new tool for stress-free travel

    Summer travel is in full swing, and Apple’s AirTag has a fresh feature that’s a must-have for wanderers. If you’ve ever panicked over a lost suitcase, the iOS 18.2 update brings a handy solution called Location Sharing. This tool helps you track down missing bags by letting you share your AirTag’s whereabouts with others, like airline staff.

    Here’s the deal: in the Find My app on your iPhone, you can create a secure link showing your AirTag’s location. Lost your luggage? Send this link to the airline, and they can pinpoint your bag faster. Apple’s partnered with several airlines, including big names like United and Delta, to make this super smooth. Each airline has its own process—some take the link via their website, others through baggage support.

    To get started, open Find My, pick your misplaced AirTag, and generate the link. Share it with the airline, and they’ll see a live map of your bag’s location. The link is private, locked with encryption, and expires after seven days or when your bag’s back in your hands. You can also cancel it anytime. This feature is a travel lifesaver. It cuts the stress of lost luggage and helps airlines reunite you with your stuff quickly. Tried it yet? Share your story!

  • New AirTag and Mac Pro updates coming soon

    New AirTag and Mac Pro updates coming soon

    Apple fans, get ready! Exciting news is buzzing about two big updates from Apple: a new AirTag and a refreshed Mac Pro. Both are expected to launch later this year and here’s what we know so far in simple terms. First, the AirTag 2 is almost here. People who track Apple’s plans, like Mark Gurman from Bloomberg, say it’s coming around mid-2025—possibly by June.

    This new version will help you find your lost items even better. It’s rumored to have a stronger chip that makes tracking more accurate and works from farther away. Plus, Apple is making the speaker harder to remove, which could stop misuse, like unwanted tracking. The look won’t change much, but it might connect better with Apple’s Vision Pro headset.

    The current AirTag costs $29, or $99 for four, and the price might stay about the same. Next up, the Mac Pro is getting a boost too. Apple has been updating its computers with new M4 chips, but the Mac Pro is still waiting its turn. Right now, it runs on the older M2 Ultra chip from 2023.

    Experts think the new Mac Pro, due late 2025, could skip straight to an M5 chip instead of an M4 Ultra. Why? Apple might not make an M4 Ultra, as seen with the recent Mac Studio update. The Mac Pro won’t look different, but it could get faster Thunderbolt 5 ports for connecting more screens and handling big tasks.

    It might also support more memory—up to 512GB—perfect for pros like video editors or designers. Both updates show Apple’s push to keep its gadgets top-notch. The AirTag 2 will make finding stuff easier and safer, while the Mac Pro will power up for heavy work. We’ll know more as 2025 rolls on, but for now, these hints have us excited! Stay tuned for Apple’s next moves.

  • AirTag 2 set to arrive in May or June with cool upgrades

    AirTag 2 set to arrive in May or June with cool upgrades

    Apple is gearing up to release a new version of the AirTag around May or June this year, according to a tip from a leaker called Kosutami. This matches what Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman hinted at earlier, saying a fresh AirTag would drop sometime in mid-2025.

    Here’s a quick look at three exciting updates rumored for the AirTag 2:

    First, it’s said to come with a new Ultra Wideband chip, giving it a tracking range up to three times better than the current AirTag. This tech-first showed up in the iPhone 15 and Apple Watch Ultra 2. On newer iPhones like the 15 and 16, there’s a handy feature called Precision Finding for People, which helps you spot friends in busy places from as far as 200 feet (about 60 meters) away.

    Next, the AirTag 2’s speaker might be tougher to mess with or take out, making it harder for anyone to misuse it and boosting safety. Finally, the word is it’ll work even better with the Apple Vision Pro, though details on that are still fuzzy. The first AirTag hit the scene at an Apple Event in April 2021. In the U.S., one costs $29, or you can grab four for $99.

    Kosutami is mostly known for collecting early Apple prototypes, but they’ve been right about some big reveals before. For instance, they nailed it when they said the iPhone 16 Pro would have a metal-wrapped battery way ahead of its launch.

    That said, their guess last August about the new AirPods Pro coming “soon” didn’t happen—AirPods Pro 3 is still a no-show. In a fresh update today, Kosutami hinted again at new AirPods Pro and some smart home goodies from Apple. The company’s expected to roll out a brand-new smart home hub this year, plus there’s talk of a Face ID doorbell and a home camera possibly coming in 2026 or beyond.

  • Matter’s next step and the smart speaker divide

    Matter’s next step and the smart speaker divide

    The smart home landscape is constantly evolving, with new technologies and standards emerging to connect our devices seamlessly. One such standard, Matter, aims to bridge the gap between different smart home ecosystems, promising a unified experience. Recent developments suggest Matter is turning its attention to audio, with plans to integrate smart speakers. However, this integration comes with a significant caveat, particularly for users of popular smart speakers like Apple’s HomePod, Amazon’s Echo, and Google’s Nest.   

    The Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA), the organization behind Matter, has confirmed the development of a new “streaming speaker device type” and accompanying controls. This initiative aims to bring a wider range of audio devices into the Matter ecosystem. But here’s the catch: this new functionality is primarily designed for speakers focused on audio playback, such as those from Sonos, Bose, and other dedicated audio brands.

    This means that while your Sonos system might soon integrate more smoothly with your Matter-enabled smart home, your HomePod won’t suddenly become controllable by your Amazon Echo. The distinction lies in how these devices are classified within the Matter framework. Devices like HomePods, Echos, and Nest speakers are considered “Matter controllers,” meaning they can control other Matter devices within their respective ecosystems. However, they are not themselves “Matter devices” that can be controlled by other systems.  

    This limitation stems from the fundamental architecture of these smart speakers. They are designed as hubs, managing and interacting with various smart home devices. Allowing them to be controlled by competing ecosystems could create conflicts and compromise the user experience. Imagine trying to adjust the volume of your Google Nest speaker using Siri on your HomePod – the potential for confusion and conflicting commands is evident.  

    Despite this limitation, the upcoming Matter integration for audio devices still offers valuable benefits. It promises to streamline the integration of third-party speaker systems into platforms like Apple’s Home app and Siri. For users invested in multi-brand audio setups, such as a combination of Sonos speakers and other audio equipment, Matter could simplify control and management. It also provides a smoother transition for users looking to switch between different smart home ecosystems without completely overhauling their audio setup.

    While the vision of a truly unified smart home audio experience, where all smart speakers play together harmoniously, remains elusive, this development represents a significant step forward. It underscores the ongoing efforts to improve interoperability and create a more cohesive smart home environment.

    Apple Addresses AirTag Safety Concerns with Updated Warnings

    Beyond the realm of smart speakers, Apple has also been addressing safety concerns surrounding its AirTag tracking devices. While AirTags have proven useful for locating lost items, they have also raised concerns about potential misuse, such as stalking. Now, Apple is implementing new warning labels after a regulatory violation related to battery safety.  

    The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recently announced that Apple’s AirTag violated warning label requirements under Reese’s Law. This law mandates specific warnings on products containing button cell or coin batteries to protect children from the serious risks associated with battery ingestion. 

    Although the AirTag itself met the performance standards for securing the lithium coin cell battery, units imported after March 19, 2024, lacked the necessary warnings on the product and packaging. These warnings are crucial in highlighting the potential dangers of battery ingestion, which can cause severe internal injuries if not addressed promptly.  

    In response to the CPSC’s notification, Apple has taken steps to rectify the issue. The company has added a warning symbol inside the AirTag’s battery compartment and updated the packaging to include the required warning statements and symbols. Recognizing that many non-compliant units have already been sold, Apple has also updated the instructions within the Find My app. Now, whenever a user is prompted to change the AirTag battery, a warning about the hazards of button and coin cell batteries is displayed.  

    This multi-pronged approach demonstrates Apple’s commitment to addressing safety concerns and ensuring that users are aware of potential risks. By adding warnings both on the product and within the app, Apple is reaching both new and existing AirTag users. The timing of the in-app warnings may coincide with recent updates to the Find My app, such as those included in iOS 18.2, further reinforcing the message.

    These actions by Apple, both in the realm of smart speakers and AirTag safety, highlight the ongoing challenges and complexities of creating a seamless and safe smart home experience. While technological advancements bring numerous benefits, it is crucial to prioritize user safety and address potential concerns proactively.

    Source/Via